Myeloma

Myeloma

Myeloma Link

Connecting African American Communities to
Information, Expert Care, and Support

As black Americans are at twice the risk for myeloma as whites, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has created Myeloma Link to increase access to education and treatment for myeloma in African American communities.

What You Should Do

Talk with your doctor about your diagnostic tests and what the results mean

Talk with your doctor about all your treatment options and the results you can expect from treatment.

Ask your doctor whether a clinical trial is a good treatment option for you.

How Does Myeloma Develop?

Myeloma develops when a plasma cell is changed (mutated).

Plasma cells are made from B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell that is found in the bone marrow. Healthy plasma cells are part of the immune system and make proteins called “antibodies,” which help fight infection.

The mutated plasma cell (myeloma cell) multiplies, and, if untreated, these cells continue to grow in the marrow. They crowd out the healthy plasma cells and the normal stem cells in the bone marrow that form the white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. If not treated, the cancerous cells can:

Crowd out functioning white cells, and the immune system can't guard against infection effectively

Secrete high levels of protein in the blood and urine, which can lead to kidney damage

Build up in bone, causing it to weaken, which can lead to bone pain and fractures.

Risk Factors

Doctors don't know why some cells become myeloma cells and others don't. For most people who have myeloma, there are no obvious reasons why they developed the disease.

There are some factors that may increase the risk of developing myeloma, including:

Age - Most people who develop myeloma are over age 50 years. Fewer cases of myeloma occur in people younger than 40.

Sex - More men than women develop myeloma.

Race - Blacks are nearly twice as likely as whites to develop myeloma.

Medical History - People with a history of MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance).

Environment - Some studies are investigating a link between the development of myeloma and one or more of the following factors: radiation or exposure to certain kinds of chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and Agent Orange.

Obesity - New research suggests that obese people have a higher incidence of myeloma.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.